Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-979703 June 17, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 17, 1997, 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor John A. Johnston, presiding Council Members: James M. Neblett, Lane R. Penn, Charles W. Stewart, W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. NTitchell, Gerald E. Bolen Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnson Charlie Haymore Jimmy White Mike Mathena Rev. Herman Sarver Robert Smith James R. Ward H. T. Hall, Jr. John M. Ratcliff Frances Ennis Elizabeth Brunk Dean Jackson Douglas L. Brown Donald Chinault Lisa Chinault Brian Chinault Randy Trail Lt. Chip Hutchinson Kenny Epperly Wesley Davis Linda Jilk Betty Abbott Tom Compton Julio Cruz & son Reid Nichols The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Councilman Penn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the invocation. Following the roll call, Councilman Penn made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting held June 3, 1997, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Representatives of the Fund Raising Committee, Pulaski Fire Department, were FIRE ~'• in attendance at the meeting. Ratcliffe addressed Council regarding their fund raising proposals, with major activities to hold "drive-thru" car washed and an annual "Garden Tractor Pull". This year, $1,067 in donations came in with $7,500 being spent on activities. Counci]man Neblett so moved that Pulaski Fire Department Fund Raising Proposal be approved as outlined., seconded by Counci]manPenn and carried.. Mayor Johnston welcomed the baseball team Pulaski Rangers to the Town of Pulaski. Tom Compton ~~ introduced Reid Nichols, Park Director with the Texas Rangers, Julio Cruz, Field TEnager and his son, Austin. Appreciation was expressed for the welcome they had received. Mayor Johnston stated the Town was pleased to have the Rangers here. 1 [] PUBLIC HEARING Next on agenda was a public hearing on a rezon;nro request by IIizabeth Brunk, 1.6320 acres RI~ONIIVG at Z00 Cedar Lane from R-2 to R-R (Rural Residential), tax map No. 081-001-000-97A. ~' June 17, 1997 y70[F P[J1~[.IC HEARING, OON'D. Mr. Quesenberry reported the Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 9. The Planning Commission has suggested that not only the Brunk lot, but adjoining lots be rezoned Rural Residential. This would avoid spot zoning and would also establish continuity zone. This would protect both the Town's interest and the Brunk's family interest. At the Planning Commission hearing, Councilman Charles Stewart made a motion that the following lots be added to the original application for rezoning request: Tax map Nos. 081-001-000-98, 98A, 98B, 99, 100, 101, 102 and 082-001-000-2, and that Town Council refer this matter back to the Planning Commission for readvertisemerrt and notification for public hearings for both the Planning Commission and the Town Council. Ms. Ennis and Mr. Chinault expressed that they had no objection to the rezoning request. Councilman Stewart so moved this rezoning request, including the lots listed above, be referred back to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendation, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: ~~ ~ James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye 0~'NIISSION Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen - No 13[JDGET Mayor Johnston stated that next on agenda was consideration of Resolution No. 97-15 adopting the Town of Pulaski Budget for 1997/98. A public hearing was held on May 20, 1997. 1~1DGI;T Ms. Betty Abbott and Ms. Linda Jilk, Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley were in attendance at the meeting. Ms. Tilk addressed Council requesting an additional $450 be allocated to the Literacy Volunteers for a total of $1500. Ms. Jilk distributed materials on their program. Finance Committee Chairman Stewart advised that during their meeting on June 13, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the budget by the full Council based on changes that were made. After meeting with the Chief of Police, $3500 was found that was not needed in the Police budget and in the Police grants, there is not an overlap in the CopsMore grant between the federal fiscal year. We have moved about $1300 from this year into next year. This action would not require additional appropriation, but it will change the bottom line on revenue expenditure with regard to the grant. He suggested the Police Department money be put into the Council contingency fund. Councilman Stewart made a motion that we take $450 of the $3600 and apply it to Literacy Volunteers, seconded by Councilman Bolen and carried on the following recorded vote: LITERACY VOLIJN'IFFRS James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Councilman Stewart reported that the Finance Committee had a meeting on June 13 and June 10. An executive session was held on June 13 to consider the acquisition of real estate for public purposes. Council reviewed the budget further and recommended that Council approve the budget as modified. Discussions were also held regarding health insurance program for employees. The committee also considered an agreement with Municipal Advisors and life insurance benefit. The Finance Committee recommended, and Chairman Stewart so moved that Resolution No. 97- 16, Group Life Insurance Program, be adopted , seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLiTiION 97-16 emp. life ins. James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Chairman Stewart advised that the committee recommended that Council authorize the Town ~~ Manager to enter into a contract to obtain health benefits through the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1NS[IRANCE Personnel & Training Department for Town employees. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: 9705 June 17, 1997 James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger - Abserrt Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye The Finance Committee recommended that we enter into a contract with Municipal Advisors to do a review of our operational procedures and our financial plans for the next ten year period at a cost of $30,000 with administration asking for an additional $5,000 as a negotiating difference in case there are any items that we need to add. There will be a $5,000 limit on travel expenses with grand total being $35,000-$40,000. This will betaken from savings for the year 1996-97. Councilman Weddle so moved that we enter into a contract with Municipal Advisors ,seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: MUNICIPAL ADVISORS James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Chairman Stewart stated that before Council was Resolution No. 97-15 Approving the Budget, ~~~ Establishing Appropriations and other Related Matters for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, for the 97-15 Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 1997 and Ending June 30, 1998. Councilman Weddle made a motion APPROVING that Resolution No. 97-15 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the BiJDGET following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston expressed appreciation for the work in preparing the budget. Mr. Combiths also thanked Town Council for their many hours spent reviewing the budget. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Neblett had no report, however, he reported he met with the Downtown Pulaski Inc. today and reminded Council of Depot Day next weekend and the planned activities. Chairman Neblett, utilizing graphs, reported that the Town has corrected I & I problem over the ~ last 12 months which would reduce the I & I flow by 604, 075 gallons per day. These are based on work orders issued and the flows are usually estimated since, in most cases, it is not practical to make a flow measurement. Another variable is how many days per year these actually occur. Past experiences indicate that most of the problems occur between 60 and 120 days per year. Several repairs have been made to problems that happen 270 to 360 days per year near streams or low swampy areas. Mr. Hawley reported that rain totals were down a little bit this year. Chairman Neblett further stated that the cost of treating I&I flow would have been $28,923.11 for 60 days. This treatment cost would have bean added to the budget request of 2,016,612 for a total budget of 2,045,535. The revenue without a rate increase was projected at $1,929,677. Therefore, the 60 days would generate a rate increase of 6% which would be 1.5% greater than the 4.5% rate increase that was actually necessary. Mr. Hawley explained our procedures for I & I, advising that approximately 40-50% of our lines have been t.v'ed. We started with the worst known areas first. A lot of progress has been made in this endeavor. Mr. Hawley advised that in working on the Rural Development Administration grant, in 1996 we billed approximately 500,000,000 gallons and paid Peppers Ferry for approximately 890,000,000 gallons of excess flow, or about $200,000/year. ff we can get the grant, it will significantly impact our inflow. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COI~IlVIITi'EE: Chairman Penn had no report. 1 ~I ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: June 17, 1997 Q70Fi Chairwoman Steger was absent. FINANCE CONIl~IITTEE: CIY,FIRE Chairman Stewart made a motion that the Pulaski County/Fire Department Agreement be tabled A~• because we have had some scheduling problems and will be unable to take any concrete action on this matter before January, 1998. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Mr. Terwilliger reported that if we want to start the process for 1998, we can start at anytime. Chairman Stewart thanked everyone who has worked so hard on the budget and expressed regret that we could not meet all the desires and wishes of everyone. HUMAN RESOURCES CONIl~II'TTEE: Chairman Hale had no report, however, requested a short meeting following the Council Meeting to discuss evaluation of our Town Manager. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: ~~ • Councilman Stewart advised that the Planning Commission approved a subdivision by Mr. AppRp~p Fowlkes, 97-72SUB for property at intersection of Bridge Street and Dora Highway, subdividing a single lot into three lots to accommodate some bank requirements for obtaining a loan. Councilman Stewart so moved that Council approve the subdivision on Mr. Fowlkes lot, Case 97- 72SUB. Motion seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried. Mr. Quesenberry reported that the trailer on this property did not meet the setback requirements by 8/10th of a foot. If the trailer is removed, there will not be another one put back. ~~ Mr. Quesenberry advised that the Town Engineer had suggested we might look at the hospital zone HC6P.SIQ~1 R-0 and perhaps modifying for signs. Councilman Stewart stated the Planning Commission wished to refer this matter back to Town Council and let Town Council take a second look at whether or not Council wants to change the size of signs. In answer to inquiry, Councilman Stewart stated that Pulaski Community Hospital had made a request for a large sign which exceeded the size requirements of our ordinance. During the process as to whether or not we would give authorization to install this sign, the question came up as to whether or not we should establish a medical district and all the research that we were able to accomplish indicated that these medical districts were really for large teaching hospitals. The motion was made at the Planning Commission meeting to refer this request back to Council for a potential change in the ordinance. MAYOR' S REPORT: Mayor Johnston stated that we have been notified, for informational purposes, by the Senate of Virginia, that they passed a resolution proclaiming 1997 "The Year of the Mountains". Mayor Johnston advised that he had been informed that we do not have business to conduct during the first meeting in July. Councilman Neblett made a motion that the first meeting in July, July 1, be canceled. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: MEEIrIl~IG ~~ James M. Neblett Lane R. Penn Bettye H. Steger Charles W. Stewart Mayor Johnston advised that - Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye - Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye - Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye - Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye if we have something to some up, Council can certainly meet. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Quesenberry stated that a member of a book company came by the Building Inspection Office IINPIDY)~ and stated that for the first time in seven years, she got the information she needed and the information was correct. Mr. Quesenberry publicly commended before Council Ms. Ruth Harrell, 4 9707 June 17, 1997 PLANI~IlVG OQ~MISSION for her assistance; commanded Ms. Patricia Pandergrast who has tutored two new secretaries. Mr. Quesanberry also commanded the two new employees of this department, Mrs. Freda O'Neal and Mrs. Rosetta Cox who have gone enthusiastically into this position. We have received compliments on the friandliness of the service and the speediness of the service. He commanded these four employees for the good job that they are doing. Mayor Johnston commended Ms. Pandergrast and Messrs. Quesanberry and Combiths for their work on Friday and Saturday so that Council could have an up to date budget. Mr. Quesenberry advised we had received two additional applications to be referred to the Planning Commission. Councilman Stewart made a motion that Case 97-73SUB, request for subdivision of property by Pulaski Properties, Mr. F. Earl Frith, Agant; and Case 97-74CU, request from Pulaski Park Apartments Limited Partnership applicant/agerrt for Pulaski Medical Services, Inc. for conditional use for apartment, complex, be referred to the Planning Commission for their review and recommandation. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update and in particular, all that had bean accomplished at Calfee Park. The Rangers extanded a special invitation to Town Council for the opening ball game. Mr. Combiths reported that an update on the New River Trail had bean received from Mr. Matherly. The first phase will bring the trail to Cool Springs Park. From this point to the train station, will require some additional work with the State in terms of working with the Norfolk Southern Railway. The Letter of Agreement first needs to be signed by the State. Councilman Stewart stated the Town had done a magnificent job in reducing the number of inoperable vehicles. At 8:35 p.m. Council antered executive session under 2.1-344 (AS) Economic Development Matter, existing UDAG application; (AS) Economic Development Matter, proposed UDAG application; (Al) Personnel Matter, specifically named individual, on motion made by Councilman Weddle, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolan -Aye At 8:48 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolan -Aye Mayor Johnston advised that before Council was Resolution No. 97-17 Authorizing a Loan Nat R~OLUTION 97-17 to Exceed $90,000 in Urban Development Action Grant Repaymerrt Funds to Assist Old Dominion ~~ ~~ Insurance Services Incorporated through ODISI Properties, LLC In the Purchase of Real Estate at 1 Main Street, Pulaski, Virginia, To Allow for the Company's Continued Operation and Expansion. Councilman Stewart made a motion that Resolution No. 97-17 be adopted, with the one language change of 1 "West" Main Street. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the l~ESOLUTION following recorded vote: ADOFi'ED James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absant Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston advised that Council would now consider a UDAG matter. Mr. Terwilliger ~~ reported that Mr. Matherly, Economic Development Director, has received a request from We ~T~ Copy, with whom the Town has an existing UDAG loan, for consideration of a possible modification of the terms of their loan. It appears that they are doing extremely well and as a result of their continued growth, they have entered some other financing arrangements. They have approached the Town and Community National Bank, with whom we made a joint loan, for June 17, 1997 modification of the collateral to either release or subordinate the accounts receivable that they traditionally carry. Community National Bank has indicated its endorsement of the idea. We Copy has asked the Town Council also to endorse this endeavor and authorize the Town administration and Town Attorney to do whatever is necessary to carry this out. Councilman Weddle made a motion that the Town endorse this endeavor, as stated above, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Absent Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye At 8:55 p.m., Councilman Neblett so moved that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. APPROVED: 1 Attest: _1T ~~ G~ ,~aZ'fiLC.~e Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk of Council r Mayo 9708